Chad Trettin IR staff photographer - Clancy Elementary students display their state championship trophies and some of their projects for the Science Olympiad.

Clancy School middle school students captured first place for small schools at Montana State University’s annual Science Olympiad in November.

This was the fifth time the school has captured first place for small schools.

And the win was part of a sweep by Helena area schools of first place awards at the 24th annual Olympiad.

Helena High School took first place in the high school division and C.R. Anderson first in the middle school division.

From building catapults, bridges and gliders to testing their knowledge on astronomy and ecology — the Clancy School students excelled, garnering 173 points.

The Olympiad includes 15 different events, said Ted Polette, who teaches 8th grade science, chemistry and physics at Clancy. He’s taken a Clancy team to the event for the past 20 years.

Although Polette is also a sports coach at the school, the Science Olympiad “is the highlight of my school year, each year,” he said.

Assistant coach for the Clancy team, Daryl Mikesell, said the Olympiad gives students who are oriented toward science projects an opportunity to show their strengths. Mikesell assisted Polette with the coaching.

The event also gives students a chance to observe science students from around the state. Nearly 1,000 students participate.

“The future is bright with these students,” he said. “It’s electrifying.”

One Response to Clancy wins Science Olympiad for small schools

Okay, I couldn’t open this one the first time. Great picture! I cannot believe you are jr. highers now!! What beautiful girls. Keep up the good work and keep having a great time at school. Way to make if fun girls. Love Aunt Cathy